- He's averaging just 2.8 yards per carry, tied for last in the league among qualified running backs. - He has been held to 36 rushing yards or less four times in five games. - He's on pace for 232 receiving yards, which would be the lowest of his career. - He has lost five fumbles in his last nine games.

Actually, those are downright depressing facts for the fantasy first-rounder. If his fantasy football owners aren't already freaking out, they should be.

Rice's 33 touches and two scores in Week 5 covered up the fact that he averaged just 2.7 yards per carry and lost yet another fumble. His owners were likely less forgiving after Week 6's 14-carry, 34-yard dud that's become all too familiar this season. So, what's up with Rice?

A Week 2 hip strain could deserve some blame, but Rice was struggling before the injury, even dating back to late last season when he averaged 3.2 yards per carry in four of his final seven games, including the playoffs.

Some might point to Bernard Pierce stealing touches, but he's averaged just seven carries per game since Rice returned from his hip injury. Plus, Pierce is also averaging just 2.8 yards per tote, which highlights the main problem for both back: the Ravens' poor run-blocking.

Usually we can expect a few bad games from Rice just because of the tough AFC North schedule, but we haven't even gotten to that part yet. In fact, Week 7 kicks off the toughest part of Rice's schedule with consecutive matchups against the Steelers, Browns, Bengals, Bears, Jets and Steelers in the next seven weeks (with a bye mixed in). Believe it or not, things could get even worse for Rice.

It may be time to start shopping Rice around your league to see what his name value can bring back in return. Whether it's a lingering hip injury, poor O-line play, backfield competition, tough scheduling, him breaking down or a combination of any of the above, there's not much reason for optimism about a midseason resurgence from Rice.